Hundreds of suited-up Santas hit NYC streets, bars

NEW YORK—Several hundred red-suited Santas have braved the blustery snow for New York City's annual SantaCon pub crawl.

The New York Post reports (http://bit.ly/1bQVt9C ) police officers were out in full force Saturday to monitor the hordes of drunken revelers dressed as Santa Claus. New Yorkers have complained about public drunkenness and unruly behavior during the event in previous years.

Police officers handed out fliers at subway stations and parks warning the Santas to remove their fake beards before entering bars.

Police told the newspaper that one Santa was treated for injuries at Bellevue Hospital and later released. They say at least 10 summonses were issued.

On its website, SantaCon describes itself as a "nonsensical Santa Claus convention" that donates cash to the Food Bank for NYC and other local charities.